Namba is located in south central Osaka, Namba and is one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods. The area is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for visitors spending time in the city.
When you’re visiting and planning how to get around, it’s easy to get confused between stations, as many share the name Namba.
This post focuses on JR Namba Station (formerly known as Minatomachi Station) and how it connects you to Osaka and the wider Kansai region with the JR Pass.
We’ll also explain which other stations are located in the area, so you can easily tell them apart and make the right transfers during your trip.
Table of Contents
JR lines serving JR Namba
JR Namba Station is the southern terminal station of the Kansai Main Line, also called the JR Yamatoji Line.
- Major stops: Nara, Imamiya, Shin-Imamiya, and Tennoji
- Service frequency: Around 3 to 4 services per hour, with increased frequency in the morning rush hour
The key points of interest along the route are:
- Shin-Imamiya, for access to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower
- Tennoji, for the Osaka Loop Line and popular shopping centers
- Nara, one of the most popular day trips from Osaka
The Haruka Express does not depart from JR Namba. However, many people use the JR Yamatoji Line to first reach Tennoji, where they can then board the Haruka for Kansai International Airport. The onward journey takes around 35 minutes.
JR Namba does not have a Shinkansen platform, so to catch a bullet train service, you need to first go to Shin-Osaka Station. It only takes about 20 minutes, depending on your connection time.
To get there, take the JR Yamatoji Line to Tennoji, then transfer to a JR service to Shin-Osaka. This includes trains on the Osaka Loop Line, or the Hanwa Line Rapid service.
Other lines serving JR Namba
Although JR Namba is a JR West station, it connects underground to some other non-JR lines via the Namba Walk passages: the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi, Midosuji, and Sennichimae Lines. This helps you make a quick transfer without going above ground.
Other stations in the Namba area
There are 2 other key stations in the Namba area that you can use to get around Osaka or reach other destinations outside the city. In addition to JR Namba Station, there is also:
- Nankai Namba Station – The closest station for Kansai Airport trains
- Osaka Namba Station – Useful for travel toward Nara and Kobe
The Nankai Electric Railway operates from nearby Nankai Namba Station and includes:
- Nankai Airport Line: Runs a direct limited express rapid service to Kansai Airport.
- Nankai Main Line: Gives access to Sakai, Wakayama, and coastal towns like Kishiwada and Izumisano.
The Kintetsu Railway runs services from Osaka Namba Station, including:
- Kintetsu Nara Line: Runs services toward Nara, Ikoma and Higashi-Osaka.
- Kintetsu trains to Mie and Nagoya: Via intercity services from Osaka Namba.
The Hanshin Railway also serves Osaka Namba Station with:
Hanshin Namba Line: Connects Namba with Amagasaki and the Hanshin Main Line toward Kobe.
Access to Namba Station
The JR Namba Station is smaller than most JR stations, with just four tracks and two platforms. It’s located in the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building. The main entrance at street level is quite discreet, but once you’re inside, you can connect directly with all parts of the station via underground walkways.
From JR Namba Station, you will also have access to the OCAT bus terminal for long-distance buses across Japan. From the station, you can also take airport limousine buses bound for Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM).
Things to do around JR Namba Station
JR Namba Station is located in the OCAT complex, which includes a shopping area and cafés. It also sometimes hosts events and performances in its public spaces.
On leaving the station, a short walk north will take you to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s best-known areas for food and entertainment.
Popular shopping districts are also within easy reach, including the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Amerikamura, Den Den Town and Namba Parks, a multi-level mall with landscaped rooftop terraces.
Other points of interest close to JR Namba include the National Bunraku Theatre, Shochikuza Theatre, Hozenji Temple, Hozenji Yokocho Alley with its traditional restaurants, and the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum.